Fruit trees in Arkansas are responding to the record warmth by blossoming earlier than usual.

That's a concern for growers because of the possibility of a late freeze between now and early April.

Dan Chapman, director of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Fruit Research Station, said peach trees in western Arkansas are pink with blossoms. Chapman said growers tend to have better years when the trees bloom late in March.

In 2007, a freeze on Easter Sunday virtually wiped out grapes and tree fruit. That freeze came after a mild winter.

Chapman said blossoms can take a little frost, but temperatures of 28 degrees or lower kill the flower buds.